BAD cramping when running

CourtneyTree

My husband and I have been running a few days a week for the last few months. EVERY single time I run I get horrible cramps on my right side under and behind my ribcage.
I have tried taking motrin before my run, I have tryed upping my water intake, which is already good. I have tried eating a banana before my run, and im stumped... Some days I can go a mile before cramping, others I cant go more then 3 min's...
ANY ideas what my body is doing???

CourtneyTree

My husband and I have been running a few days a week for the last few months. EVERY single time I run I get horrible cramps on my right side under and behind my ribcage.
I have tried taking motrin before my run, I have tryed upping my water intake, which is already good. I have tried eating a banana before my run, and im stumped... Some days I can go a mile before cramping, others I cant go more then 3 min's...
ANY ideas what my body is doing???

jlbay

I used to be a runner. When I first started, I had the exact same thing you are describing. I did some looking around on-line and asked a friend who is a marathon runner and it seems that this "stitch" in the side or cramp is normal, especially for beginner runners. I battled with it for many months I seem to recall.

The cramp has something to do with your breathing technique when you run, I believe. My friend gave me this exercise and it helped: while running breath out quickly and with a little force every time your right foot hits the pavement. It didn't always work or work completely, but it helped. I also tried raising my right arm over my head when the cramping came on, while doing the breathing technique above, when I had a cramp. Looks silly, but it sometimes works. When all else failed, I would walk until the cramp subsided.

After a while, I guess my lungs became stronger and my breathing technique improved, because I no longer suffered with the cramping after a few months (can't remember exactly how long it took). Look on-line, I'm sure I found more info on breathing and running and cramps.

erikazj

I agree with what is said above, breathing has a lot to do with it, I get the same when swimming. However, I find on days when I've been to work and then worked out I seem to get it more - probably because I'm tired. I find that drinking an elecrtrolyte drink before hand can really help...drinking water is great, but you also need to replace things like potassium. The banana is a good idea, but there is some evidence to suggest that the carbs in food can delay the absorption or potassium and stuff, and although you'll get it eventually it may not be quick enough. I have found a carb free electrolyte drink called nuun, and it is only 4 cals a serving (240ml) which seems to help. I'm sure you could find something similar.

Erika

katemadrigal

I also suffer from cramping when running. But I run twice a week for the calorie burn and fitness benefits. I've found that my cramps were caused by running too close to meal/snack times. So, now I go early in the morning before eating any breakfast OR at least 1.5 hours after a light snack. I've found that helps me a great deal.

Good luck- don't let it make you stop Try a few of these suggestions and something's bound to click for you!

kerrilucko

I get it too, but only if I run after eating (even if it's a couple hours after I've eaten) so now I run before eating a meal.

czewwhat

Two things, breathing technique is probably wrong and calcium deficient. Breathe long slow breaths not a breath with every stride. better use of the oxygen and less rapid panting while you are running should help a lot.

kechiemc

I agree with JLBay too.:flowerforyou: Definitely related to your breathing...

I would also like to add that you may be running too fast. Try slowing your pace down. If a slower pace doesn't help, definitely walk until the pain subsides.

Don't give up. You can do it.:drinker:

sassekel

Thanks for posting this question. and thanks for suggestions from all. I am learning how to run also and having the same problem. I figured it was due to incorrect breathing technique. I made it my first whole mile without stopping friday and the had the worst cramps ever, ugh... oh well guess I'll keep trying til i figure it out. maybe slowing down will help, although I don't think I'm going too fast yet:laugh:

karimcguire

Apparently this is very common and I suffered the same thing with every run. I now drink Powerade Zero --something about the electrolytes i read somewhere. I drink one cup of it about 30 min. before I run. Haven't had a cramp since I began this ritual of mine.

CourtneyTree

wow, THANK YOU everyone! I will try a diffrent breathing style and see where that gets me, and I will also try one of the sports drinks listed! You guys/girls are great!